karnataka history

THE KARNATAKA UNDER HYDER ALI AND TUPPU SULTAN

(1761-1799)

Hyder Ali (1761-1782):- Hyder Ali was born at a place called Budhikote in Kolar district. After initial difficulties Hyder Ali entered services of Mysore as a soldier in the late 1740’s during the rule of king Krishna Raja Wodeyar II under the Dalavayi Nanjarajaiah. Hyder took advantage of the opportunities that came his way and rose step by step to become the ruler of Mysore. In 1747 Hyder Ali took part in the military campaign against Devanahalli under Dalavaji Nanjarajaiah. The campaign was a success in which Hyder Ali fought with exemplary military courage. The Dalavayi was very much impressed and immediately promoted Hyder Ali to the rank of commander of contingent. In 1750 when Dalavaji Nanjarajaiah sent Hyder Ali to Hyderabad to help the cause of Nazir Jung for the throne of the Hyderabad Hyder Ali return to Mysore loaded with wealth on the death of Nazir Jung. In 1751 Hyder Ali rose into limelight after the Trichnopoly campaign Hyder Ali was appointed as the faujder of Dindigal. As a faujder Hyder Ali imparted European training to his army

In 1758 Hyder Ali defeated Marathas and took back Bangalore which was pledged earlier by Krishna raja Wodeyar II. As he was unable to pay the yearly tributes to the Marathas. Krishna Raja Wodeyar 11 thus honoared Hyder by bestowing upon him the title of "Nawab Hyder Ali Khan Bahadur" A few years later when Mysore was struck by a severe financial crisis Hyder Ali solved the crisis by paying the salary to the soldiers from his own packet the stolen money of Nazir Jang and misappropriated revenues of Dindigal came in handy. Following this event Dalavaji Nanjarajaiah retired. From now Hyder Ali relegated the wodeyar tobackground Hyder Ali became the Central figure, the entire administration revolving around him. However Hyder Ali called himself as a "mere u Karyakartha of Mysore" the servant Mysore

Hyder Ali extended the kingdom by conquering Sira and principalities of Guthi, Keladi and Savanur. Thus for the fist time the kingdom extended beyond Tungabhadra up to Dharwad in the North. Large parts Kerala also come under the Mysore kingdom. Chitradurga was also captured.

Anglo Mysore Wars (1767-1799)

First Anglo Mysore War (1767-1769)

Hyder Ali expansionist policy brought him into conflict with the British who had established themselves in the Tamil region. In order to suppress Hyder Ali the British entered into an Alliance with the Marathas and the Nizam. However an eve of war Hyder Ali wooed, the Marathas and the Nizam to his side. Under Hyder Ali the Mysore army ran up to the gates of Madras inflicting severe defeat upon the British and Madras was captured by Hyder Ali. The British who are unable to resist the attacks of Hyder called for peace. According to the treaty of Madras which was dictated by Hyder Ali to the British the First Anglo Mysore War came an end. Its provisions were

1. Mutual surrendering of the territories conquered
2. Mutual military help in case of attack by a third party.

Second Anglo Mysore (1780-1784)

As per the treaty of Madras the British failed to help Hyder when Marathas attacked the Mysore in 1771. In 1780 the British raided the French ports of Pondicherry and Mahe through which Hyder imported arms and ammunitions. These were the two factors which led to the Second Anglo Mysore.

As soon as the war began Hyder Ali force erupted like a volcano and murdered the British forces and captured places like Porto Novo, Kanchipuram and Arcot. The British who were defeated for the Seconds time summoned their most efficient General Sir Eye Coote who turned the tables against Hyder. In the battles of Porto Nova and Solingur Hyder was defeated. During the course of war Hyder Ali died of an incurable disease. The war was continued by his son Tippu who defeated the Britishs captured Bidanur. The British who were war exhausted sued for peace. Accordingly the treaty of Mangalore was signed.

The treaty call for:-

1. The mutual surrendering of the territories conquered
2. Exchanging prisoners of war

(Hyder conclusions):-

Hyder Ali was a born soldier, a self made man and a man of indomitable will and un-restrained energy. From a mere soldier he rose to the position of the ruler of Mysore. Though unlettered Hyder was a statesman. a good administrator and diplomat when he died he left behind the kingdom extended to an area of 80,000 sq miles yielding a revenue of 43 lakhs of pagoda Hyder maintained a well organized army which was trained on European lines. He constructed palaces-the Daria Daulat at Sri Rangapatna and a palace at Bangalore. It was he who laid the Lal Bagh Gardens both at Sri Rangapatna and Bangalore.

Tippu Sultan {1782-1799}

(Explain the achievement of Tippu Sultan)

Tippu Sultan was born at a place called Devanahalli in 1753 10^th Nov. Though Hyder was an illiterate he provided his son Tippu Sultan a second education. Thus Tippu Sultan was well learned. He was also well trained in the field of horse riding and sword fighting. Even as a boy he accompanied his father on military campaigns and thus was well trained in the field of war fare.

Tippu Sultan took part in the First Anglo Mysore War. On the death of his father Hyder, Tippu Sultan continued the Second Anglo Mysore War and even defeated the British in the Battle of Wandiwash, Bidanur was captured by him. As the British called for peace Tippu Sultan signed the treaty of Mangalore in 1784 which brought the Second Anglo Mysore War to an end. The treaty called for Mutual restitution of territories conquered and changing of prisoners of war. After the Second Anglo Mysore War Tippu Sultan signed a treaty with the Marathas according to which he surrendered the regions of Nargund and Badami to the Marathas Tippu Sultan even captured Kodagu.

Third Anglo Mysore War (1790-1792)

Tippu Sultan attack on the Raja of Travancore and British coming to the rescuer of the Raja as he was an ally of the British led to the Third Anglo Mysore War, Lord Cornwallis who was the Governor General of India in the early 1790's wanted to established a British empire in India and thus Tippu in the south was a hindrance. The First phase of the war was indecisive hence Lord Cornwallis himself led the British force, the combined armies of the British the Nizam and

Marathas attacked, Tippu unable to fight the combined armies faced a humiliating defeat. The British imposed on Tippu the humiliating treaty of Sri Rangapatna which brought the Third Anglo Mysore War to an end. It provisions were

1.    Tippu had to surrender half of his kingdom to the British

2.    He had to pay a huge war indemnity of Rs-3 million pounds

3.    He had to surrender two of his sons a hostage to the British

Fourth Anglo Mysore War (1779)

The humiliating defeat suffered by Tippu in the Third Anglo Mysore War which was followed of the humiliating treaty of Sri Rangapatna rankled in the minds of Tippu and made him all the mere determined to drive out the British. With this end in view, Tippu sent embassies to the foreign countries to France, Turkey, Mauritius and Afghanistan. He even planted the tree of liberty at Sri Rangapatna, so as to liberate Mysore from the British. 

The main cause of the Fourth Anglo Mysore War was Tippu’s refusal to sign the Subsidiary alliance devised by Lord Wellesley. The British contingent led by from Madras and Bombay attacked Sri Rangapatna. They were joined by the Marathas and the Nizam. Tippu was defeated in the Battle of Malavali following which the British bombarded the unbreakable fort of Sri Rangapatna. Tippu fought tooth & nail and single handedly killed several British soldiers. But ultimately the British shot him dead. Thus died the Tiger of Mysore sacrificing his life for the Mysore until his last breath.

The British who were thus victorious in the Fourth Anglo Mysore War captured Mysore and divided it into 4 parts one each was given to the Marathas and the Nizam for their help in the Third and Fourth Anglo Mysore War, the Third part was taken by the British and Fourth part returned to the Wodeyar   thus Krishna Raja Wodeyar III was restored to the throne of Mysore.

Tippu Administration:-

Tippu was not only brave warrior but an equally good administrator. He divided his kingdom into 37 provinces called as Asofis each of which was administered by a provisional Governor called as of the provinces were further divided into Taluks called Amils which functioned under a taluk officials called Amildar the lowest administrative unit was a village called Simpt administrated by a headman called Patel. The kingdom of the Tippu comprised an area of 62000 square miles. Tippu introduced 6  department which looked after different branches of administration, Land Revenue, military, commerce, marine, ordinance, treasury thus  ministries was helped by the advisers and officials. Tippu established an efficient and highly disciplined army which comprised of cavalry, elephantry, and infantry. There was also navy Mangalore was Tippu’s Naval headquarters steps were taken for the development of agriculture by construction irrigational project, fallow land was brought under cultivation by being made free of revenue payment for the  1st year and by advancing Taccavi (Agriculture Loans)

Tippu introduced postal system for royal correspondence. For the 1st time the department of census was opened. A new system of weights and measures and currencies came into existence. Coins were called by different names Hyderi, Inami, Osmani, Tippu also replaced Kannada with Persian as the administrative language.

The most important aspect in the Tippu administration was the establishment of state monopoly. Trade and Commerce became the exclusive prerogative of the state. Trading centers was established abroad. Karachi, Muscot some industries were also brought under state control. The benefits from these were accrued by the state.

COLONIAL KARNATAKA

Introduction

Following the death and defeat of Tippu Sultan the British occupied Mysore in 1799. The British divided the kingdom of Mysore into 4 parts- each part shared by the British, the Marathas and the Nizam and the last part was restored to the Wodeyars Krishna Raja Wodeyar III was placed on the throne of Mysore.

Krishna Raja Wodeyar III (1799-1831)

The British signed the treaty of Sri Rangapatna with Krishna Raja Wodeyar III according the Wodeyars signed the subsidiary alliances with the British. The Wodeyar even agreed to pay yearly tributes. A British contingent was also to be stationed at the royal court. The treaty also mentioned that the kingdom of Mysore would be occupied by the British if the Wodeyar was guilty of mis-governance. As Krishna Raja Wodeyar III was a young child the administration of the kingdom was entrusted to a new office called “Diwan”, Who was also to function as a regent.

Diwan Purnaiah (1800-1810)

Purnaiah became the Diwan regent of Krishna Raja Wodeyar III earlier he had rendered services as a minister to Hyder Ali and Tippu Sultan. On becoming the Diwan his first and foremost task was to provide for the education of the young king. The king was also well trained in the field of administration. As a experienced administrator Purnaiah organized the administration of Mysore on a firm footing.

Firstly Purnaiah shifted the capital from Sri Rangapatna to Mysore. Secondly the kingdom of Mysore was divided into 3 regions

1. Patana Ashta Grama
2. Chitraduraga
3. Bidanur

Thirdly Purnaiah established a departments to look after the administration civil, Revenue and miscellaneous. The sources of revenue were land Revenue, Customs duties, excise and plantations.

Fourthly Purnaiah worked towards development of agriculture. Irrigation projects like tank and canals were constructed. He also constructed a dam across the River Lakshmana Tritha. He spent 50,000 pagodas for the development of agriculture. Even agriculture loans were issued called “Taccavi loans”.

Fifthly the judiciary was established judges were appointed. The village panchayat came to be established.

Sixthly the military was re-organized and it was called Kandachar. Thus under Purnaiah Mysore experienced administrative efficiency for the first time after years of warfare.

On retiring in 1810 purnaiah was rewarded with Yalandur as a Jagir.

In 1810 A.D Krishna Raja Wodeyar III assumes the reigns of administration on the attainment of the age of majority. Krishna Raja Wodeyar III wanted to increase the collection of land revenue and hence introduced the contract system accordingly revenue collection was entrusted to officials called the Amuldhar who in turn entrusted the task to their agents who collected more than the stipulated amount. Hence the peasants had to bare the burden of high revenue & were thoroughly exploited. They rose in revolt against the king. This is called as the “Nagar Insurection” (1830-31) which began at a place called Nagar in the Shimoga district. It was led by Budi Basaappa very soon the revolt spread to the regions of Chitra Durga, Chikka Nayakanahalli and Doddaballapur. The rebellion was however severely suppressed by the Wodeyar but he lost the kingdom as the British governor general Lord William Bentick annexed Mysore to the English East India Company. The king Krishna Raja Wodeyar III was thus forced to retire & spent the rest of his life in scholarly and literary pursuits. He encouraged Kannada language and literature. He patronized scholars like Deva Chandra- the author of Raja Vali Katha & Kempu Narayana the author of Mudra Manjusha.

Aliya Linga Raja who was patronized by the king wrote several works called Narapati Charithe, Basavappa Shastri called as Abhinava Kalidasa was author of Surya Sena Charithe- A transtation of Shakespeares Othello- Krishna Raja Wodeyar III wrote as many as 50 books Sankaya Ratna Kosha, Surya Chandra Vamshavatarane and Sri Krishna Katha Sangraha, Ramayana & Bharata

The king was also a patron of music. Musicians like Mysore Sadashiva Rao, Veena Sheshanna, Venkata Subbiah, and Chika Ramappa were patronized by him. He also started the Raja school where English was the medium of instruction. Hence he is rightly called as “The Morning star of renaissance in Karnataka”.

The Commissioners Rule (1831-18881)

Following the annexation of Mysore to English East India Company the British began to administer the state of Mysore from 1831-1881 by creating a new office called the office of commissioners. Initially the office had two commissioners-colonels Briggs as the senior commissioner and Lushington as the junior commissioner. In 1833 Morrison became the sole commissioner. The two most important commissioners are Sir Mark Cubbon and Bowring.

Sir Mark Cubbon (1834-1861)

Sir Mark Cubbon began his career in the English East India Company. In 1834 he was appointed as the commissioner of Mysore as he was known for his honesty and integrity. As the commissioner of Mysore Mark Cubbon worked for its development.

The first work of Mark Cubbon is that he shifted the capital from Mysore to Bangalore. The state of Mysore under him comprised of four administrative divisions Patana Ashtagrama, Chitra Durga, Nagar and Bangalore. Each of these divisions was headed by a European super intendent Mark Cubbon shifted the secretariat to Tippu’s palace in Bangalore. The secretariat comprised of a departments like Revenue, Military, agriculture, post and soon. The judicial administration was recognized. A hierarchy of courts was established. Munsiff court at the local level, above which were superintending courts and the Huzur adalat, the commissioner’s court was the highest court. There was a judicial commissioner who assisted Mark Cubbon the Mysore state comprised of 120 Taluks called Amils each of which functioned under an official called Amildar. Below the Amils were groups of villages called Hoblis which functioned under a Hoblidar. Revenue collection was entrusted to an official called Shirastedar. Mark Cubbon used the native language in the administrative sphere.

Mark Cubbon constructed roads to the length of more than 1,600 miles. The capital city Bangalore was linked with important places. Telegraphic wires were strung. The first railway line was laid in Karnataka which linked Bangalore with Jolarpet (1859). He also encouraged the starting of English medium schools. Mark Cubbon collected revenue efficiently. In 1834-35 the revenue collection was 68 Lakhs and led to 84 lakhs. In 1854-55 he also settled Rs.80 lakhs which was unpaid tributes to the British and the yearly tribute was also regularly paid. Thus Mark Cubbon developed Mysore by leaps and bounds. During his tenure as a commissioner he laid the first step for developing Mysore into a Modern state. An efficient administrator he was known for his honesty and hard work. When he retired from office he had saved a large amount of Rs.40 lakhs. The government of Karnataka has honored Mark Cubbon by naming a park after him in Bangalore namely the Cubbon Park.

Louis Bentham Bowring (1861-1870)

Bowring Succeeded Mark Cubbon.

Bowring is the other commissioner of Mysore who occupies the pride of place along with Sri Mark Cubbon. Bowring divided the state of Mysore into 3 administrative regions namely Patana Ashtagrama, Nandi Durga and Nagar. These regions comprised of 108 Taluks each of which functioned under a Deputy Commissioner. The commissioner’s were in charge of the three main divisions and Bowring became the chief commissioner. The department of land survey and settlement was established. The registration act of 1864 required all property transactions to be registered. The police department came to be established on the lives of the Madras police. New designations like inspector General of police and Deputy Inspector of police were created. Bowring established the central educational agency which set up schools in English and vernacular language’s. Accordingly the Bangalore high school and the central college were established in Bangalore. The high court building constructed during his days became the secretariat. The Bangalore museum was constructed by him. Famine conditions in Bangalore made him construct the miller tank. Hospitals were also constructed. The lady Curzon Bowring hospital reminds one of the services rendered by Bowring.

Bowring was succeeded by Sir Richard Meade, Saunders and Gordon who occupied office from 1870-1881. They are the last Commissioners of Mysore.

RENDITION OF MYSORE (1881)

Introduction:-

Following the occupation of Mysore in 1831 by the British on the grounds of mal administration and misgoverance on his rule of Krishna Raja Wodeyar III, the strong lobby was established by the Wodeyar at London for restoration of the throne of Mysore to the Wodeyars. Though the Wodeyars died in 1868 it was only in 1881 that the British placed on the throne of Mysore the adopted son of Krishna Raja Wodeyar III, Chama Rajendra Wodeyar X. this event is called as Rendition of Mysore.

Chama Rajendra Wodeyar X (1881-1894)

He became the king of Mysore after Rendition. Chama Rajendra Wodeyar X is the adopted son of Krishna Raja Wodeyar III. He was placed on the throne of Mysore in 1881. He ruled till 1894. He ruled the Mysore state by creating office of Diwan to whom was entrusted the task of administering Mysore. Accordingly Sri Ranga Charlu became the 1^st Diwan.

C. Ranga Charlu: - (1881-1883)

Ranga Charlu who became the 1^st Diwan of Mysore after Rendition has made notable contributions for the development of Mysore state.

1)    For the first time in the history of Mysore the Mysore representative assembly came to be established. Planters, merchants and learnt men became the members of the assembly, in 1881

2)    The mining of gold began at Kolar

3)    Railway lines were laid which linked Bangalore with Tiptur and Mysore

4)    Nearly 4000 acres of land was granted in Bangalore for cultivation to the whites.

Sheshadri Iyer (1883-1904)

Sheshadri Iyer continued with the works of Ranga Charlu and further developed Mysore.

1)    The Mysore representative assembly came to have elected members. The term of members was fixed for 3 years.

2)    A new department of geology, agriculture and archeology came to be established. D.L. Rice was appointed as the head of the archeological department

3)    The first hydro electric power project was commissioned namely the Shivana Samudram hydro electric power project. As a result Bangalore became the first city to be electrified.

4)    Among his other works mention can be made of the establishment of Mysore life insurance Corporation, the passage of infant marriage regulation which forbided the marriage of girls below the age of eight and construction of roads, bridges and tanks.

Krishna Raja Wodeyar IV (1894-1914)

Chama Rajendra Wodeyar X was followed by Krishna Raja Wodeyar IV. He distinguishes himself as a good administrator, statesmen and a diplomat. He was also well learnt. He was fortunate to have had the services of the two ablest Diwan Sir M. Vishweshwariah and Mirza Ismail. It was during his rule that Mysore was transformed into a Model State. For all his contributions Krishna Raja Wodeyar IV is rightly called as Raja Rushi (Gandhiji, called him).

Krishna Raja Wodeyar IV was served by several Diwans B.D. Madhav Rao, Anand Rao, and Sir. M.Vishweshwaraiah and by Mirza Ismail.

Sir.M.Vishweshwaraiah (1911-1918)

Sir.M.Vishweshwaraiah is the most outstanding Diwan of Mysore. He entered the services of Mysore as a chief engineer. He was a liberal minded states man. He identified himself with moderate leaders like Gopala Krishna Gokale and M.G. Ranade. In 1902 Vishweshwariah wrote a book called “A vision of prosperous Mysore in which he called for spreading education for promoting agriculture, Industrialization, trade and company

On becoming the Diwan, he began to give shape to his Idea.

Vishweshwaraiah increased the strength of the Mysore legislative assembly from 18-24. The assembly was given the right to discuss, the budget. The Mysore local board & the village panchayat regulation act was passed to which the elected members were appointed industries were constructed by Sir M.Vishweshwaraiah. The iron works of Bhadravathi, the sandal oil factory at Mysore, the Government soap factory, the Metal Factory, the Chrome tanning factory and the Central Industrial Workshop are at Bangalore.    Vishweshwaraiah established the Mysore chamber of Commerce and industry and the Mysore bank in 1913 so as to facilitate trade and Commerce. Steps were taken for promoting education education for girls was encouraged and scholarships were provided to the backward classes. The University of Mysore was started in 1916.  The government engineering college was established in Bangalore, which is today called as Vishweshwaraiah College of engineering.  The Chamarajendra Technological Institute was opened at Mysore. The Karnataka Sahithya Parishad came into existence in 1915.

Vishweshwaraiah laid two Railway lines linking Bangalore with Arsekere and Bowering pet with kolar.  He constructed the Krishna Raja Sagar Dam, which irrigated 1000’s of acres of land in the Mysore State. Thus Mysore made Progress during the Ist World war when the world economy was in shatters i.e. because Vishweshwaraiah did not believe in keeping money in reserve but investing in income yielding projects. That is why he is called as the economist & man with foresight

In 1918 Vishweshwaraiah resigned on the reservation issue, as he believed in merit alone, as the only way to success. After independence the Government of India rewarded Vishweshwaraiah by offering the Bharata Ratna in 1955.

SIR MIRZA ISMAIL: -

Sir Mirza Ismail Ranks along with Sir M.Vishweshwaraiah as one of the greatest Diwan of Mysore.  He built upon the works that was initiated by Sir.M.Vishweshwaraiah A steel factory was added to the Bhadravathi Iron works. At Bangalore was started the glass factory and the porcelain factory.  It was he who established the Ist public sector factory namely the HAL at Bangalore.  The sugar factory at Mandya, the match factory in Shimoga and Paper and cement factory at Bhadravathi were his creations. He also started chemicals and fertilizer factory at Bellagola, and the Khadi p/n Centre at Badanval.  The products of Mysore like Sandal oil, silk and agarbatis were exported to England for which purpose a trade commission was appointed in London

Sir Mirza promoted Agriculture by constructing the Kaveri high-level canal, which provided irrigation to 1,000’s of acres of land in the Mandya district.  The establishment of the medical college at Mysore and the mental hospital also at Mysore is his other works.

On the death of K.R.W.IV Sir Mirza resigned office in 1941.  He was given the title of Knighthood by the British and K.R.W.IV bestowed on him the title of Amin-Ul-Mulk 

K.R.W.IV was followed by Jaya chamraj Wodeyar.  Diwan Arcot Rama swami Mudaliar, the last Diwan of Mysore, served him. 

ANTI-BRITISH UPRISING IN KARNATAKA (1800-1857)

INTRODUCTION: -

By the beginning of 19^th century Karnataka came under the suzerain power of the British. Following the defeat and the death of Tippu Sultan at the hands of the British In 1799 Mysore came under the occupation of British.

In 1799 Bellary and the surrounding areas became a part of the Madras Presidency of the British and the regions to the North of River Tungabhadra became a part of the Bombay Presidency of the British Bidar, Gulbarga, and Raichur was included in the Nizam’s territories that had accepted the Subsidiary alliance of Lord Wellesley. Coorg was also a territory of the British power.  But its people opposed this occupation of Karnataka.  The result was sporadic and spontaneous Revolts dat Broke out in different parts of Karnataka between (1800-1858).

a.    The first to raise the banner of Revolt in Karnataka against the British was Dhondji Wagh who in 1800 organized Rebellion in the district of Shimoga But very soon it was suppressed by the British

b.    In 1824 the Queen of Kittur Chennamma revolted against British when they failed to recognize the adopted their Shiva Lingappa though the British General Thackeray was killed.  The commander Chaplin crushed the forces of Kittur and imprisoned Chennamma in the fort of Bailahongala (Dharwad).

c.    Sangolli Ray Anna who continued the fight against the British through Guerilla Tactics was finally captured and hanged in 1831

d.     In 1830-31 took place the Nagar Rebellion in Shimoga district, which was organized by Sadarmalla of kumis, is also known as Budi Bassappa against K.R.W.III of Mysore Honnahalli was the Centre of activities of Budi Basappa,

With the support of English the King crushed the Rebellion in 1831.

e.    The Canara district witnessed Agrarian uprising of peasants because of heavy

f.     Taxation imposed by the British Between 1834-1837 Coorg witnessed a violent uprising because of the dethronement of Chikka Vira Raja, King of Coorg and its occupation by the British.  The people of Coorg rebelled under their leaders Aparampara, Kalyana Swami and Putta Basappa against the British. Again the British suppressed It with Heavy hands All the revolts between 1800-1858 were vehemently suppressed by the British with heavy hand because the revolts were sporadic and spontaneous, isolated and lacked proper leadership.

g.    The revolt of 1857 also had its echo fell in Karnataka.  The first to rise in rebellion were the Bedas (hunters) of Halagalli because the British passed the Arms act, which made the Bedas surrender their arms to the British.

h.    Several Princess also revolted against the British namely Venkatappa Nayaka of Suapur (Gulbarga district) and Bhaskara Rao Bhave Nargunda.  Bhima rao of Mundargi also revolted against the British. But very soon these rebellions were suppressed.

FREEDOM MOVEMENT IN KARNATAKA

Introduction: -

The people of Karnataka whole heartedly plunged themselves into the freedom struggle of India between the 1885-1947 led by their leaders like Alur Venkat Rao, Gangadhar rao Deshpande, R.R.Diwakar, K.C.Reddy, Kamala Devi, Chattopathya, Bellary Siddamma and a host of others, the people of Karnataka reacted vehemently against the repressive measures of British.  The freedom struggle of India was characterized by certain movements like the Non co-operation Movement and the quit India Movement all of which made a tremendous impact upon Karnataka.  In Karnataka also movements on the same lines were initiated in which the people of Karnataka played a leading role.

CAUSES: -

1. Western education and English language was the 1^st Factor which made the people of Karnataka fight against the British. The leaders in Karnataka became acquainted with western ideas like liberty, equality Democracy and fraternity.  English served as the link language for the leaders. 
2. Research on the history of Karnataka by Rice, Flect Robert Sewell and Derett resulted in the glory and grandeur of Karnataka being brought back to light.
3. The Socio-Religious   Reform movement like the Bramha samaj, arya samaj, theosophical society and the Rama Krishna Mission fostered political consciousness in India for that matter in Karnataka.
4. Leader of Karnataka and well read persons like venkata charya, vasudeva charya, Subodh ram rao, Alur Venkat rao propagated the ideas of Freedom.
5.  5. Several Journals and newspapers were started in Kannada language Mention can be made of Mangalore Samachar, Raja Hamsa, Karnataka Vritta Swadesh Abhimani Dhananjaya etc which propagated to the masses, the repressive policies of the British and motivated the people of Karnataka to lay down their lives for the cause of the nation.

THE MOVEMENT FOR INDEPENDENCE: -

The freedom movement in Karnataka can be traced back to the foundation of the Indian National Congress in 1885.  The 1^st session of the Indian National Congress was held at Bombay in 1885 presided over by W.C.Banerjee, was attended by delegates like Kollachalam Venkat Rao and Bhau Saheb Bhate from Karnataka

A.O.hume who founded Indian National Congress toured Karnataka in 1893 propagating Congress ideas.  In 1895 and 1903 the Bombay state political Conference was held at Belgaum and Dharwad respectively.  These early movements gave a fillip to the Freedom Struggle in Karnataka.

Following the partitioning of Bengal in 1905 by the British into West Bengal and east Bengal, the anti-partitioning movement of Bengal also began to take shape in Karnataka; protest meeting was held at Dharwad, Belgaum, Kittur, and Gadag etc. Govind Rao Yalgi Mr.Joshi laid a leading role in the anti partitioning movement in Karnataka.  The movements called for boycotting British run schools and colleges and setting up of National schools and colleges at Belgaum Gangadhar Rao, Deshpande Established the 1^st National School.  Similar schools were established at Dharwad, Kittur, hubli, etc, In 1916 Bal Gangadhar Tilak founded the Home Rule League, which demanded self-government with British Empire In connection with the home rule league, Tilak toured Karnataka and established the branches of the Home Rule League at Mangalore, Dharwad etc.  In 1920 the Karnataka State Political conference was held at Dharawad. Under the President ship of V.P.Madhav Rao. The conference served as a kind of motivating factor as it decided to send maximum number of delegates to the Nagpur Session of the INC of 1920.  Nearly 800 delegates from Karnataka attended the congress and an implement outcome of the Nagpur congress was the establishment of Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) in Karnataka. Its 1^st president was Gangadhar Rao Deshpande who is popularly called as lion of Karnataka.

One of the implement events that characterize the Indian National movement is the Non co-operation movement started in 1920 under the Leadership of Gandhiji. The programme of the Non cooperation movement defeated at the Nagpur session of congress in 1920 which called for boycotting government offices, lower courts, lawyers give up profession, to students to boycott schools and colleges, picketing of liquor shops, boycott British goods etc.  These activities had its echo felt upon Karnataka movements were started, processions carried on protests meetings held, British goods boycotted and liquor shops were picketed on the lines of Gandhian programme.  The people of Karnataka under the effective leadership of R.R. Diwakar and Mudhvikar played a prominent role. The role played by Alur Venkat Rao deserves appreciation He started a national school at Dharwad

The British responded by arresting, the activist and firing upon them at Bijapur, Hubli and such other places. The Muslims under the banner of Khilafat movement joined the Non-Cooperation movement at the Bangalore cantonment two Khilafatist died on police firing.

In 1923 when the Nagpur Flag Sathyagraha was organized by the congress several people from Karnataka led by Hardikar whole-heartedly took part in the Sathyagaraha. Hardikar was arrested and imprisoned where he founded the Hindustan seva Dal with as in Hubli. The year 1924 is important in the Freedom movement of Karnataka. A congress session was held in Belgaum & the President was Gandhiji. This helped the congress and its struggle in Karnataka. In 1930 when Gandhiji gave a clarion called for civil disobedience movement the response from Karnataka was terrific when Gandhiji launched his famous “Dandi March” in connection with the Salt Sathyagraha a similar Sathyagraha was organized in Karnataka at Ankola april1930. M.P Nadakarni led 1000’s of followers and the salt law at Ankola was followed by forest Sathyagraha. The people of Karnataka entered the forest and collected wood and fodder there was also an agitation against manufacturing and sale of liquor on the lines of non-tax campaign at bardoli in Gujarat.  In Karnataka the Non-tax campaign was observed at Ankola & siddapur at hirekerur the campaign was a complete success mainly due to the leadership of veeranna gouda Patel, at siddapur and Ankola also it was a major success. However at Sirsi it was partially successful the role-played by the Nadavaras of Ankola and the Haviks of Siddapur even came to be appreciated by Gandhiji and sardar Patel.

In the general elections of 1937 the congress won all the seats from Karnataka two years later the congress minister resigned because the British declared India as a participant in the Second World War (1939-1945), the congress under Gandhiji vehemently opposed it.  The call for individual Sathyagraha was given which was observed by using anti-war slogan in Karnataka”.

During 1924-42 the freedom struggle in Karnataka received a boast opposing the British, Gandhiji called them to Quit India and gave the people of India a mantra i.e. “Do or Die” which means to make an all out effort to make the British leave India and this was carried out non violently or to die in the process. The people of Karnataka engaged in under ground activities to sabotage the functioning of the Government. The Quit India Movement in Karnataka was very severe in Belgaum, Dharwad, Mysore and Bangalore. Village offices were destroyed village accounts seized and they burnt Railway lines, removed telegraphic wires disconnected government offices and post offices were destroyed, industrial workers, peasants and students plunged into the struggle. The Mysore congress organized in 1938 mobilized the people to take part in Quit India Movement. The British came down heavily, introducing repressive measure and violently quelling the movement. Several people lost their lives in Bijapur, Hubli, Davengere, Belgaum etc. In Bangalore the Mysore Bank square was the scene of massacre, two important leaders Mahadev Bhai Desi and Mailara Mahadevappa lost their lives. Thousands were courted and arrested and the movement was in full swing from 1943-44, when R.R. Diwakar and others surrendered years of sweat, toil and labour, made India independent on 15^th August 1947 consequently Karnataka also became free from British administration.

Mysore Chalo Movement (Sept-Oct 1947)

(Movement towards responsible government)

The Wodeyars of Mysore Jaya Chama Raja Wodeyar refused to establish Responsible Government his refusal made the Mysore congress organize the Mysore Chalo Movement under the leadership of K.C. Reddy and S.Nija Lingappa the leaders toured the whole of Karnataka to highlight the necessity of a responsible government in Mysore. The call for the Mysore Chalo Movement was given on 4^th Sept 1947. Following which people from all walks of life the peasants, the industrial workers, writers, the officials and students and even women took part in this movement demanding that the Wodeyars from a responsible government. The participants destroyed government officers, removed railway lines, delinking telegraphic wires etc. Bringing the government machinery towards stand still & the Wodeyar resorted to the police action to auppress the movement. Finally when the movement became ir-repressible. The Wodeyar called for meeting b/w K.C. Reddy and Diwan Rama Swami Mudaliar, its outcome was that the Wodeyar agreed to grant responsible government to the people of Mysore. Accordingly on 24^th Oct 1947. A responsible government came into existence when K.C. Reddy became the 1^st chief minister of Mysore. Mysore became Karnataka on 1^st Nov 1973. (The Chief Minister of Karnataka was Deva Raj Urs)

Unification of Karnataka (1956)

Introduced:-

The Unification Movement of Karnataka went hand in hand with the freedom struggle in Karnataka. By the beginning of 19^th century most of Karnataka came under the occupation of British who divided the region into different administrative units. Ex:- Those part of Karnataka to the North of River Tungabhadra, Belgaum, Bijapur, Hubli, Dharwad formed the part of the Bombay presidency. Uttar Kannada, Dakshina Kannada and Bellary was included in the madras presidency Bidar, Gulbarga and Raichur was ruled by Nizam of Hyderabad and they were some princely states like Mysore and Jamkandi and some regions were ruled directly by the British like Bangalore and Kodagu. Thus there were all in all 20 such administrative units. Thus the people of Karnataka and the regions were divided and separated from one another. There plight was miserable as they could hold no government offices and students could not receive education in the native language

It was under these circumstances the freedom fighters of Karnataka decided to establish a separate state for the Kannada speaking people as early as 1856. Deputy Chenna Bassappa called for unifying all Kannada speaking territories. In 1890 the Karnataka Vidhya Vardaka Sanga was established at Dharwad. It declared its main objective which was to works towards unifying the Kannada speaking territories Alur Venkata Rao and Bengal Rama Rao played an important role in its activities. Alur Venkata Rao wrote articles in its journal the Vaga Bushan in which he criticized the partitioning of Bengal and even called for establishing a unified state of Karnataka. (Alur Venkata Rao is the author of Karnataka Gata Vaibhava). He was given tittles like Karnataka Kula Purohit.

In 1915 the Karnataka Sahitya Parishad came into existence founded by sir M.Vishveswaraiah.  Henceforth writers, poets, journalists met to compose nationalist songs and poems.   This literary plat form was to be served as the political platform in its long run.  In 1916 the Karnataka sabha was founded which declared its main objective begin to work for a united state of Karnataka. 

In 1920 the Karnataka State political conference was conveyed at Dharawad under the leadership of V.P.Madhva Rao the conference passed the resolution, which demanded the unification of Karnataka. The Nagpur session of the congress of 1920 called for establishing pradesh congress committees came into existence with Gangadhar Rao, Deshpande as its 1^st president (he is called as the lion of Karnataka) Thus the movement towards unification received a fillip in 1924 at the Belgaum session of the congress which was presided over by Mahatma Gandhiji every attempt was made to highlight the history and culture of Karnataka.  The venue was called vijayanagar the entrance gate was decorated like the gopura of virupaksha temple and Karnataka music was played by veena seshanna.  It was here that the Karnataka Anthem was composed namely “UDAYA VAGALI NAMMA CHELUVA KANNADA NADU” by Huyugol of Narayana Rao.

After the congress session at the same place the Karnataka unification conference was convened. In 1926 the Karnataka Ekikarna Sabha was founded at Bellary, in 1928 the Hindustani Seva Dal conducted a signature campaign of those people who favoured unification.  The Nehru Report of 1928 submitted by Motilal Nehru called for unifying all the Kannada speaking territories into a single province.  But unification was not a easy task because the British was not read to merge the presidencies & establish a single presidencies nor were the princely states ready to form a single state. By 1946, It was clear that he British would be leaving India in the light of this possibility the Karnataka unification conference and all writers Kannada convention demanded a united state.  The Bombay and Madras State Legislatives even passed a resolution that called for creating states on linguistics basis.

After Independence the number of administrative units in Karnataka was reduced to 5 the Central Government appointed the Dhar Commission to look into the issue of creating states on linguistic basis.  Congress now appointed the JVP committee, which consisted of Jawaharlal Nehru, Vallabhai Patel and Pattabhi Sita Ramaiah that called for creating A.P but not Karnataka at the same time some regions like Mysore did not favour unification.  As result poets like Gorur Rama Swamy Iyengar and Kuvempu undertook a tour and convinced the people of the need for a unified state.  As unification still seemed to be a pipe dream some new organization came into existence like the Karnataka Ekikarna Paksha. The congress at its Hyderabad session in 1953 again called for creating A.P but not Karnataka Criticizing the congress resolution leader of Karnataka Doddamathi by name began a hunger strike in Dharawad.  In the same year i.e. in 1953 K.R.Karanth founded The Akkanda Karnataka Rajya Nirmana Parishad, which began a masses agitation leaders like Doddamathi, chinappavali, S.Nijalingappa participated when pottery Sri.Ramulu died fasting, the state A.P was created. To look into the issue of creating Karnataka the government established the states Re-organization committee (SRC), also called as Fazil Ali, commission that consisted of Fazil Ali, Kunzur and Pannikar.

The commission submitted its. According the kannada speaking regions were unified and thus a unified state came into Existence called New Mysore state on 1^st November, 1956 the chief minister of Mysore was Kengal Hanumanthaiah.  New Mysore became Karnataka on 1^st November 1973 under the c/m ship of Devaraju.

Three Events took place in Karnataka they are:

1.    The Shivapur Flag Sathyagraha 1938

2.    The Vidurashwatha Tragedy

3.    The Esur Tragedy 1942

The Shivapur Flag Sathyagraha 1938

The Shivapur Flag Sathyagraha took place in the 1938 it is also called as the Shivapur Dwaja Sathyagraha. The Mysore congress came into existence in 1937. The 1st session held at Shivapur in Mandya. The president was T. Siddalingaiah. They decided to hoist the National Flag but the British passed the order not assemble at the Shivapur. The people assembled and hoisted the National Flag on 1938 Apr 11th this is the first place in the Karnataka to hoist the National Flag. In this session women leaders also participated such as Kamala Devi Chatoupadiaiah, Bellary Sidamma, and Parvathamma and so on.

The Vidurashwatha Tragedy

Vidurashwatha located in Gowribidhanur Taluk Kolar district. The Freedom Fighter meets and hoisted the National Flag on Apr 23 1938. But their was a prohibition that people should not assemble. This order was violated by the people so British fired upon the people at around 30-35 were killed and many were injured. Gandhiji called this tragedy as the Jillian Walla Bagh Massacre of Karnataka it is also called as the Vidurashwatha Tragedy. This is the Second place in the Karnataka to hoist the National Flag.

The Esur Tragedy

Esur is the small village in the Shimoga district. It is the scene of Quit India Movement. The people in Esur declared independent and opposed the British Rule. They established the Self Government. The people in the Esur did not allow the Police and the Amuldhar into the village. The policed fired upon the villagers the people got angry the united together and killed all the police and Amuldhar. They made 12 year boy Jaya as the Amuldhar

1. Name some earliest Organization founded to realize the goal of Unification
2. Who composed the Kannada anthem and what is it called as
3. In which year was the Karnataka Ekikarna Sabha founded (ans: 1926)
4. By which year was the Karnataka Ekikarna Sanga founded (ans: 1938 by Benegal Rama Rao at Bangalore)
5. Mention the poets who worked towards the Unification of Karnataka (ans: Gorur Ramaswamy Iyengar, K.V Puttappa, D. R Bendre)
6. Who established the Akkanda Karnataka Rajya Nirmana Parishad (ans: K.R Karanth)
7. Mention the leaders of Unification Movement?
8. When was the SRC committee established (ans: 1953)
9. Who are the members of the JVP committee? What is the outcome of the committee?
10. Who are the members of the SRC? What it is also called as?
11. Who is the C.M when New Mysore State came into existence?
12.  When did New Mysore became Karnataka, Who was the C.M?

1. Who became the king of Mysore after Rendition?
2. Who is the 1st Diwan of Mysore after Rendition?
3. Mention the 2 famous Diwans of the Mysore?
4. Which king of the Mysore is called as the Morning Stare of Karnataka?
5. Who introduced the Mysore Civil Services?
6. Who established the Mysore Representative Assembly?
7. Which Diwan established the 1st Hydro Electric Power Project at which place?
8. Who is the king of the Mysore when India became Independence?
9. Which king is called as the Raja Rishi?
10. Who is the 1st person in the Karnataka to revolt against the British, Which the centre of his activity?
11. Mention the leaders of the Kittur Uprising?
12. Mention the leaders of the Coorge Uprising?
13. Mention the leaders of the revolt that took place in Karnataka following the revolt of 1857?
14. Who is Budi Bassappa, Which is centre of his activity?
15. In Which year INC founded? Who founded it, where was the 1st session held, Who was its president?
16. Name the leaders who took part in the 1st session of INC?
17. Mention the leaders of the Karnataka who took part in the NIC Movement in Karnataka?
18. Who founded the Mazzini Club, at which place?
19. Mention the leaders of Karnataka, who allied with the extremist?
20. Which is the only INC session held in Karnataka in which year, at which place and who is the president?
21. Who established the Charaka Sanga at which place?
22. Who is called as the "Lion of Karnataka"?
23. Who becomes the 1st President of KPCC?
24. Who is called as the Karnataka Gandhi?
25. Mention the Places the Salt Sathyagraha took place, Mention the leaders of the Salt Sathyagraha in Karnataka?
26. Mention the freedom fighter of the Karnataka who took part in the Dandhi March?
27. Mention the leaders Quit India Movement in Karnataka?
28. Mention the leader’s freedom fighter of Karnataka?
29. Mention the women freedom fighter of Karnataka?
30. Who is the author of the Karnataka Gatha Vaibhava?
31. Mention the early leaders of the Unification Movement of Karnataka?
32. Which is the earliest Organization,  in which year founded to realize the Goal of unification of Karnataka and __________________________?
33. Which is the title of the Alu Venkata Rao?
34. Mention the some News Papers which fortected the sprit of Nationalism of Karnataka?
35. Which is the 1st News Papers in Karnataka and who started it?